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Selected AbstractsIn Reference to Tacrolimus: A New Option in Therapy-Resistant Chronic External OtitisTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 10 2007Baran Acar MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] In Reference to Tacrolimus: A New Option in Therapy-Resistant Chronic External OtitisTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 10 2007Philipp P. Caffier MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] New Options for African Countries regarding Protection for New Varieties of PlantsTHE JOURNAL OF WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, Issue 3 2001Tshimanga Kongolo First page of article [source] New options for drug treatment of obesity in patients with Type 2 diabetesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 2005R. L. Kennedy First page of article [source] A Simple Tool for Teaching Flap Design with Digital ImagesDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 12 2001Daniel Berg MD Background. Defects created by excision or Mohs micrographic surgery must be analyzed and surgical options including flaps must be considered. Teaching flap design to dermatology trainees is often done at the bedside of the patient with the trainee describing or marking a proposed flap. Open discussion of the options in this way is sometimes unnerving for the patient. Blackboard discussions or drawings are limited in their realism. Objective. To describe a rapid, simple method using commonly available software to allow a trainee to draw and redraw a proposed flap on a digital image of the defect without the time and cost of printing. Methods. We describe a feature in the widely used presentation program Microsoft PowerPoint which can be used to draw on an imported digital image in various colors. Results. A digital photograph taken at the bedside can quickly be loaded into PowerPoint and viewed as a full-screen picture on a computer. Using an electronic pen, multiple lines can be drawn and erased on the picture, allowing surgical planning and teaching away from the bedside. Conclusion. Design and analysis of potential incision lines for a flap can be done quickly using a digital image and commonly available software, allowing a new option for teaching flap design. [source] The effect of thiazolidinediones on adiponectin serum level: a meta-analysisDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 5 2008N. Riera-Guardia Background and aims:, Adiponectin is a hormone mainly produced by white adipose tissue. Decreased levels of adiponectin are linked with visceral obesity, insulin resistance states, and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, several studies have pointed out an increase in adiponectin serum levels in subjects undergoing treatment with thiazolidinediones (TZD). The aim of this study is to systematically review the current state of evidence of the effect of TZD on adiponectin serum level with special attention to avoid publication bias. Materials and methods:, An extensive literature search was performed. Meta Analysis Version 2.0 computer program was used to calculate statistical differences in means and 95% confidence interval (CI). Publication bias was assessed using different statistical approaches. Results:, In the meta-analysis including 19 studies the overall standardized mean difference was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.81,1.06) which means that subjects treated with TZDs on average had means of adiponectin concentration that were about 1 standard deviation higher than the comparison groups even after controlling for possible biases. Conclusions:, The results obtained agree with a moderate increase of serum adiponectin. The results clearly reveal an increase of endogenous serum adiponectin levels by intake of TZDs and may point to a potential new option to manage obesity-related diseases. [source] Intraocular injection of tamoxifen-loaded nanoparticles: a new treatment of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 12 2004Yvonne de Kozak Abstract In this study, we tested the efficiency of an intravitreal injection of tamoxifen, a non-steroidal estrogen receptor modulator, in retinal soluble antigen (S-Ag)-induced experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). To increase the bioavailability of tamoxifen, we incorporated tamoxifen into polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated nanoparticles (NP-PEG-TAM). The localization of the nanoparticles within the eye was investigated using fluorescent-labeled PEG-coated nanoparticles after injection into the vitreous cavity of rats with EAU. Some nanoparticles were distributed extracellularly throughout the ocular tissues, others were concentrated in resident ocular cells and in infiltrating macrophages. Whereas the injection of free tamoxifen did not alter the course of EAU, injection of NP-PEG-TAM performed 1,2,days before the expected onset of the disease in controls resulted in significant inhibition of EAU. NP-PEG-TAM injection significantly reduced EAU compared to injection of NP-PEG-TAM with 17,-estradiol (E2), suggesting that tamoxifen is acting as a partial antagonist to E2. Diminished infiltration by MHC class,II+ inflammatory cells and low expression of TNF-,, IL-1,, and RANTES mRNA were noted in eyes of NP-PEG-TAM-treated rats. Intravitreal injection of NP-PEG-TAM decreased S-Ag lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-, production by inguinal lymph node cells, and specific delayed-type hypersensitivity indicative of a reduced Th1-type response. It increased the anti-S-Ag IgG1 isotype indicating an antibody class switch to Th2 response. These data suggest that NP-PEG-TAM inhibition of EAU could result from a form of immune deviation. Tamoxifen-loaded nanoparticles may represent a new option for the treatment of experimental uveitis. [source] Certolizumab pegol: a new option for rheumatoid arthritisFUTURE PRESCRIBER, Issue 4 2009MSc Rheumatology SpR, Margaret HY Ma MBBS Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presents a significant burden to healthcare in the UK. New biological therapies have advanced treatment but at a high cost to the NHS. Certolizumab pegol is a new TNF inhibitor, providing an additional treatment option for RA. In this article Dr Ma and Dr Choy consider the efficacy of certolizumab pegol, and where it may fit into the RA armoury. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Saxagliptin: a new option for the management of type 2 diabetesFUTURE PRESCRIBER, Issue 3 2009MD Consultant Diabetologist, Marc Evans MRCP Incretin-based therapies for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (T2DM) present a new approach to disease management. Over recent years, several new drugs have entered the marketplace, and NICE have recently issued guidance on how best to incorporate these new drugs into treatment regimens. In this article, Marc Evans reviews saxagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor, and considers its potential clinical use. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Dronedarone: a new option in atrial fibrillationFUTURE PRESCRIBER, Issue 1 2009Professor A. John Camm MD Many antiarrhythmic agents exploiting new mechanisms of action (as well as modified analogues of traditional antiarrhythmic drugs, with different combinations of ion channel- and receptor-blocking effects and less complicated metabolic profiles) are currently being investigated. Dronedarone is an amiodarone derivative that is devoid of iodine atoms and is believed to have a better safety profile than amiodarone. It is the only antiarrhythmic drug for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) that has been shown to improve survival in high-risk patients. This review provides a contemporary insight into the clinical development of dronedarone, its efficacy and safety in preventing recurrent AF, and its potential additional advantage of improving outcome in patients with AF. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Loco-regional treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Riccardo Lencioni Loco-regional treatments play a key role in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Image-guided tumor ablation is recommended in patients with early-stage HCC when surgical options are precluded. Radiofrequency ablation has shown superior anticancer effects and greater survival benefit with respect to the seminal percutaneous technique, ethanol injection, in meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, and is currently established as the standard method for local tumor treatment. Novel thermal and nonthermal techniques for tumor ablation,including microwave ablation, irreversible electroporation, and light-activated drug therapy,seem to have potential to overcome the limitations of radiofrequency ablation and warrant further clinical investigation. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard of care for patients with asymptomatic, noninvasive multinodular tumors at the intermediate stage. The recent introduction of embolic microspheres that have the ability to release the drug in a controlled and sustained fashion has been shown to significantly increase safety and efficacy of TACE with respect to conventional, lipiodol-based regimens. The available data for radioembolization with yttrium-90 suggests that this is a potential new option for patients with HCC, which should be investigated in the setting of randomized controlled trials. Despite the advances and refinements in loco-regional approaches, the long-term survival outcomes of patients managed with interventional techniques are not fully satisfactory, mainly because of the high rates of tumor recurrence. The recent addition of molecular targeted drugs with antiangiogenic and antiproliferative properties to the therapeutic armamentarium for HCC has prompted the design of clinical trials aimed at investigating the synergies between loco-regional and systemic treatments. The outcomes of these trials are eagerly awaited, because they have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of HCC. (HEPATOLOGY 2010;) [source] Success factors for the effective implementation of renewable energy options for rural electrification in India,Potentials of the CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISMINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 12 2008Gudrun Elisabeth Benecke Abstract Developing countries as well as international development assistance have for a long time aspired to combat energy poverty in rural areas of developing countries. However, until now a major part of national and international public and private attempts to provide affordable and stable energy supply have failed due to various economic, political, social and institutional obstacles. This situation is reflected in case of India where in comparison with other South Asian states the status of rural electrification and of energy supply are in a dismal state despite the promotion of renewable energy and rural electrification as early as from the 1960s. Embedded in the global context of the international climate change regime, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol has now emerged as a new option to facilitate investment in climate change mitigating projects. In this respect, promoting the deployment of renewable energy through this project-based mechanism opens new avenues for rural electrification. The main objective of this paper is, hence, to examine the context conditions and factors determining the effective application of renewable energy options for rural electrification in a developing country context, namely India. Understanding contextual requirements for renewable energy investment has proved imminently important in order to appreciate the potentials provided by new market-based mechanisms such as the CDM for rural poverty alleviation. Comparative political science case study research methods are applied to the analysis of CDM biomass projects in the context of the four Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh. This allows for the conclusion that socio-political and historic framework conditions matter for the implementation of new renewable energy options. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Solubility islands for polymer blends , a new option to homogenize incompatible polymers?MACROMOLECULAR SYMPOSIA, Issue 1 2003Attila R. Imre Abstract Experimental results of liquid-liquid phase equilibrium in a polydisperse blend of two polyalkylsiloxane are presented here. The UCST has an unusual pressure dependence: pressure induced miscibility at moderate pressures and pressure induced immiscibility at higher pressures, above a double critical point. The cloud point curve has two maxima in (concentration, temperature) as well as in (concentration, pressure) space. Approaching the double critical point, the high and low pressure branches of the cloud point curve merge and in a certain stage of this merging, they form a miscibility island located inside the two-phase region. Islands of this kind can give us a new tool to mix virtually immiscible blends. [source] Ustekinumab: new option for moderate-to-severe psoriasisPRESCRIBER, Issue 21 2009MRPharmS, Steve Chaplin MSc Ustekinumab (Stelara), a novel biologic for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, targets interleukins rather than TNF-alpha. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects and Dr Downs discusses its place in psoriasis treatment. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Fesoterodine (Toviaz): new option for overactive bladderPRESCRIBER, Issue 21 2008MRPharmS, Steve Chaplin MSc Fesoterodine, the prodrug of the active metabolite of tolterodine, has been launched in two strengths for the treatment of overactive bladder. In our New products review Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects, and Dr Adrian Wagg comments on its place in treatment. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Latest news and product developmentsPRESCRIBER, Issue 11 2008Article first published online: 18 JUN 200 New asthma guideline The BTS/SIGN guideline for the management of asthma has been updated. The diagnosis section has been rewritten, there is a new section on difficult asthma and the treatment sections have been updated. A new option at Step 3 (initial add-on therapy) is now the use of a combined budesonide/formoterol inhaler (Symbicort) as a reliever in addition to regular use as a preventer. This reflects evidence from the SMART trials, which showed that an average of one extra puff per day significantly reduced exacerbations and admissions (Br Med J 2007;335:513). Metformin matches insulin in pregnancy Metformin does not worsen perinatal outcomes compared with insulin in gestational diabetes and mothers prefer it, a study from Australia and New Zealand shows (N Engl J Med 2008;358:2003,15). Of the women randomised to metformin treatment, 93 per cent were still taking it at term and 46 had supplemental insulin. The combined incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia, respiratory distress, need for phototherapy, birth trauma, five-minute Apgar score less than 7 or prematurity was 32 per cent with both treatments. There were no serious adverse events. More women said they would choose the same treatment again for metformin than insulin (77 vs 27 per cent). Same CV protection with antihypertensives There is no difference in protection against major cardiovascular events between different types of antihypertensives in young or older (65 or over) adults, according to the Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Trialists' Collaboration. Its meta-analysis of 31 trials involving over 190 000 patients (BMJ Online 2008; doi:10.1136/bmj.39548.738 368.BE) found no significant difference by age on blood pressure reduction or risk reduction. Treatment may be chosen according to tolerability and cost as long as effective blood pressure reduction is achieved, the authors conclude. Older people are at greater absolute risk and treatment therefore offers larger reductions in serious vascular events. HPV vaccination starts in September Vaccination against human papilloma virus will be part of the national immunisation programme from the start of the new school year in September. The vaccine, administered as three doses over six months, will initially be offered to girls aged 12,13 (school year 8) to reduce their risk of cervical cancer. A two-year catch-up campaign for all girls up to 18 years old will begin in 2009. MHRA: pancreatitis with exenatide warning The incretin mimetic exenatide (Byetta), licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, may rarely be associated with pancreatitis, warns the MHRA (Drug Safety Update 2008;1:Issue 10). One case has been reported in the UK and 89 in the USA and Germany. The MHRA advises that patients should be warned of the symptoms of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain, back pain). Treatment should be discontinued if pancreatitis is suspected and the case reported on a yellow card. 2007 prescribing bill Primary-care expenditure on drugs in England in 2007 totalled £8.37 billion, only 2 per cent more than in 2006, according to the latest statistics from the Information Centre (www.ic.nhs.uk). Prescription numbers increased by almost 6 per cent. Prescribing increased in most BNF categories but changed little in musculoskeletal drugs and immunological products and vaccines. Calceos: calcium/ vitamin D3 price match Manufacturer Galen has pledged to continue to price-match its calcium/vitamin D3 supplement Calceos with Adcal-D3 or Calcichew D3 Forte. If the price of either product falls below that of Calceos chewable tablets, Galen will match it within six months. The company says it will honour the pledge until at least 2011. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Circadin: a new option in sleep disordersPROGRESS IN NEUROLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY, Issue 8 2008Mark Greener Circadin - a prolonged-release formulation containing 2mg melatonin - offers a promising short-term treatment for primary insomnia that is characterised by poor sleep quality in patients aged 55 years or over. Medical writer, Mark Greener, reviews this new addition to the sleep treatment armamentarium. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] T-cell subset counting and the fight against AIDS: Reflections over a 20-year struggleCYTOMETRY, Issue 2 2002Francis Mandy Abstract The story of T-lymphocyte subset immunophenotyping technology is reviewed on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of CD4 T-cell enumeration. Over time, immunophenotyping has evolved into precise, reliable, but complicated and expensive technology requiring fresh blood samples. The gating technologies that were universally adapted for clinical flow cytometry for the past decade relied on rapidly deteriorating morphological scatter characteristics of leukocytes. This special issue dedicated to CD4 T-cell enumeration features most of the available new options that will have a significant impact on how this technology will be implemented within the first decade of the 21st century. In a series of original publications, including the new NIH guideline for T-cell subset enumeration, contemporary gating protocols that use immunologically logical parameters are presented as part of the more reliable and affordable immunophenotyping alternative. Some of the improvements addressed here include the costs of the assays and the capacity to monitor interlaboratory and intralaboratory performances. It is clear that an effective attack on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has to embrace resource-poor regions. Reducing the cost of the assay while improving reliability and durability is a move in the right direction. Cytometry (Clin. Cytometry) 50:39,45, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Melatonin therapy for headache disordersDRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 6 2007Mario F.P. Peres Abstract Even though efficacy is often the most important consideration for patient preference in migraine prevention, currently available medications do not meet patient expectation. Efficacy is in the range of 50% reduction in migraine attacks in 50% of patients studied for the best medications. Therefore, new options for migraine treatment are needed. Melatonin has been considered a good candidate for migraine and other headaches prevention due to its favorable mechanisms of action and excellent tolerability profile. In this article, we review the putative role of the pineal gland and melatonin in migraine pathophysiology and treatment. Drug Dev Res 68:329,334, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Agency in the Discursive ConditionHISTORY AND THEORY, Issue 4 2001Elizabeth Deeds Ermarth This article claims that postmodernity necessarily, and perhaps opportunely, undermines the bases upon which political democracy traditionally has rested; and that therefore some significant work must be done in order to redefine, restore, or otherwise reconfigure democratic values and institutions for a changed cultural condition. This situation presents the opportunity to explore the new options, positive openings, and discursive opportunities that postmodernity presents for political practice; for this the problem of agency provides a focal issue. The practices of postmodernity, taken together, represent substantial challenges, not just to this or that cherished habit, but to modernity itself and all its corollaries, including its inventions of objectivity, of "the individual" (miserable treasure), and of all the related values (project, capital, consensus and, above all, neutrality) which still underwrite so much of what we do as citizens, consumers, and professionals not to mention as more private persons, parents, and partners. Fortunately, postmodernity does not demolish all our most cherished beliefs, values, and practices; but it does require recognition of how those beliefs, values, and practices actually function and of what alternatives they suppress. [source] Migration of naive, effector and memory T cells: implications for the regulation of immune responsesIMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 1 2001Jürgen Westermann Summary: T cells play an important role in protective immune responses and in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Understanding the mechanisms regulating their distribution in vivo may therefore be of therapeutic value. Reviewing studies that have followed the migration of labelled naive, effector and memory T cells in healthy animals reveals that all T-cell subsets enter all organs investigated. Within the tissue, two principally different migration patterns can be identified. First, naive and memory T cells accumulate in lymphoid organs for about 48 h after injection, as the time needed for migration through lymphoid organs is longer than through non-lymphoid organs. During this time, surface molecule expression is temporarily modified. These changes are reversed before leaving the lymphoid organs and entering the blood to start a new cycle of migration. Second, effector T cells are evenly distributed throughout the body, and most die in the tissues within 24 h. However, depending on the presence of cytokines, some are able to survive and to proliferate, and thereby accumulate in defined microenvironments of the body. Analysing the principles regulating T-cell migration and survival within the tissue may lead to the development of new options for the treatment of disease. [source] Treatment of basal cell carcinomaJOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 12 2009Tino Wetzig Summary Basal cell carcinoma is the most common tumor in Central Europe, the U.S. and Australia. The increasing incidence of basal cell carcinoma presents the health care system, especially dermatology, with great challenges. In recent years new options for treating basal cell carcinoma have become available, enriching our therapeutic options. We review the current status of each of these treatment approaches. [source] Nuclear microenvironment in cancer diagnosis and treatmentJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2008Rossanna C. Pezo Abstract The nuclear architecture plays an important role in the temporal and spatial control of complex functional processes within the nucleus. Alterations in nuclear structures are characteristic of cancer cells and the mechanisms underlying these perturbations may directly contribute to tumor development and progression. In this review, we will highlight aspects of the nuclear microenvironment that are perturbed during tumorigenesis and discuss how a greater understanding of the role of nuclear structure in the control of gene expression can provide new options for cancer diagnosis and treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1953,1963, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Efficacy of prepackaged, low residual test meals with 4L polyethylene glycol versus a clear liquid diet with 4L polyethylene glycol bowel preparation: A randomized trialJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Dong Il Park Abstract Background and study aims:, A prepackaged low residue one-day diet (breakfast, lunch and dinner) has been recently developed to improve patient tolerance for bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of bowel preparation protocols based on a low residue diet and 4L polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution, and to compare these new options with the traditional liquid diet and the PEG 4L lavage. Methods:, A total of 214 patients (mean age: 54.1 years; 120 male, 94 female) from four university hospitals were included in the analysis. Patients were randomized to receive a clear liquid diet and the PEG 4L regimen (106 patients) or the low residue test meals and the PEG 4L regimen (TM-PEG 4L, 108 patients). The colon cleansing efficacy of the different preparations was rated using the Ottawa bowel preparation scale. Results:, No significant differences were observed between the treatment groups according to the Ottawa cleansing scale findings (PEG 4L: 2.97 vs TM-PEG 4L: 2.46, P = 0.063). The overall tolerability was higher in the TM-PEG 4L group than in the PEG 4L group (P = 0.036). No difference was found when the two groups were compared with regard to adverse events (P = 0.599). Conclusions:, A prepackaged low residue one-day diet provided cleansing efficacy similar to that of a clear liquid diet and offered the benefit of improved tolerability compared to the conventional PEG 4L regimen. [source] End-stage renal disease , not an equal opportunity disease: the role of genetic polymorphismsJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2005L. NORDFORS Abstract. Despite several decades of development in renal replacement therapy, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients continue to have markedly increased morbidity and mortality especially caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD). This shows that current strategies, e.g. the focus on dialysis adequacy, to improve the clinical outcome in ESRD patients have to be complemented by novel approaches. Although traditional risk factors are common in dialysis patients they cannot alone explain the unacceptably high prevalence of CVD in this patient group. Much recent interest has therefore focused on the role of various nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as inflammation, vascular calcification and oxidative stress. Recent studies show that genetic factors, such as DNA single nucleotide polymorphisms, may significantly influence the immune response, the levels of inflammatory markers, as well as the prevalence of atherosclerosis in this patient group. To elucidate the respective roles of DNA polymorphisms in genes that encode inflammatory markers (such as IL-10, IL-6 and TNF- ,) and other factors that may affect the development of atherosclerosis (such as apolipoprotein E, transforming growth factor and fetuin-A), sufficiently powered studies are needed in which genotype, the protein product and the specific phenotype all are analysed in relation to outcome. The recent developments in the field of genetics have opened up entirely new possibilities to understand the impact of genotype on disease development and progress and thus offer new options and strategies for treatment. It seems conceivable that in the near future, prognostic or predictive multigene DNA assays will provide the nephrological community with a more precise approach for the identification of ,high-risk' ESRD patients and the development of accurate individual treatment strategies. For this purpose, integrative studies on genotype,phenotype associations and impact on clinical outcome are needed. [source] Magnetic resonance imaging of entheses using ultrashort TE (UTE) pulse sequencesJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 2 2007Michael Benjamin PhD Abstract The attachment of tendons, ligaments, and joint capsule to bone (entheses) is reviewed and new options for visualizing key components of entheses provided by ultrashort TE (UTE) pulse sequences are described. Many features of entheses are adapted to the dispersion of stress at the boundary between tendons/ligaments and bone. Of particular interest is fibrocartilage, which has mechanical properties different from those of both "pure" tendon/ligament and bone. Features typical of entheses can also be seen at sites where tendons or ligaments are in contact with (but not attached to) bone, and the concept of a "functional enthesis" has been developed to emphasize the similarities. The enthesis concept has also been broadened to include the idea of an "enthesis organ" in which many tissues play a role in dissipating stress concentration. UTE pulse sequences can specifically identify the calcified and uncalcified fibrocartilage tissue components of entheses and differentiate these from fibrous connective tissue and bone. These tissues cannot be separately visualized at entheses with conventional pulse sequences. Entheses are involved in overuse syndromes and seronegative spondyloarthropathies (SpA) and there are important issues related to tissue repair and healing following surgery. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Engineering tissues, organs and cellsJOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, Issue 2 2007Anthony Atala Abstract Patients suffering from diseased and injured organs may be treated with transplanted organs; however, there is a severe shortage of donor organs that is worsening yearly, given the ageing population. In the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, scientists apply the principles of cell transplantation, materials science and bioengineering to construct biological substitutes that will restore and maintain normal function in diseased and injured tissues. Therapeutic cloning, where the nucleus from a donor cell is transferred into an enucleated oocyte in order to extract pluripotent embryonic stem cells, offers a potentially limitless source of cells for tissue engineering applications. The stem cell field is also advancing rapidly, opening new options for therapy, including the use of amniotic and placental fetal stem cells. This review covers recent advances that have occurred in regenerative medicine and describes applications of these technologies using chemical compounds that may offer novel therapies for patients with end-stage organ failure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Review article: multimodality treatment of liver metastases increases suitability for surgical treatmentALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2007K. P. DE JONG Summary Background Liver metastases of colorectal cancer occur frequently, but only 10,20% are eligible for liver surgery. Recent new developments changed the concepts of treating patients with colorectal liver metastases. Aim To describe the available modalities that can result in increasing resectability rate. Methods Potentials and drawbacks of portal vein embolization, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), trans-ablated tumour hepatectomy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the approach to patients with extrahepatic metastases are described. Results Portal vein embolization is a well-established technique to increase the volume of the future liver remnant. RFA should be applied if partial liver resection alone cannot make the liver tumour-free. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with unresectable liver metastases can result in secondary resectability rates of 15,40%. Hepatotoxicity can lead to a higher complication rate after partial liver resection. A limited number of extrahepatic tumour localizations should be resected as well. Conclusions A more aggressive approach to patients with colorectal liver metastases improves resectability rate and survival. Unfortunately, these new options have not been thoroughly evaluated in randomized controlled trials. For some of these modalities, the currently available results are so promising that it might be difficult to start such trials in the future. [source] Application of novel dual wave meal bolus and its impact on glycated hemoglobin A1c level in children with type 1 diabetesPEDIATRIC DIABETES, Issue 5 2009Ewa Pa, kowska Background: An insulin pump is an advanced technology offering new options of bolus , normal (N), dual wave (D-W) or square wave (S-W) bolus to deliver mealtime insulin. Objectives: To assess the impact of D-W/S-W boluses on metabolic control (glycated haemoglobin A1c, HbA1c) and to estimate the paediatric patients compliance with implementation of this system in daily practice. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 499 records of patients aged 0,18 yr. Data from the insulin pump memory provided information on the number of D-W/S-W boluses during a 2-wk period, the insulin requirement (U/kg/d) and the percentage of basal insulin. The HbA1c value (%) and the patient's weight were determined during medical examinations. Mealtime dose of insulin in D-W/S-W bolus was calculated based on the amount of carbohydrate and fat/protein products. Results: The number of applied D-W/S-W boluses was 16.6 ± 0.77/14 d (ranged 0,95), while 18.8% of patients did not program D-W/S-W boluses. The lowest HbA1c value was found in the group using two and/or more D-W/S-W boluses per day (p = 0.001) compared with the group administrating less than one D-W/S-W bolus/d. Patients with HbA1c level <7.5% had a statistically higher relevant number of D-W/S-W boluses, 19.55 (95% CI: 17.44,21.65) vs. 12.42 (95% CI: 10.22,14.61) (p < 0.001), while there was no correlation between the number of boluses and HbA1c in patients in the remission phase (<0.5 IU/kg/d) (r = 0.012, p = 0.930). Conclusions: Patients using at least one D-W/S-W bolus per day achieved a recommended level of HbA1c. Paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus were found to be able to apply D-W/S-W boluses in daily self-treatment process based on food counting. [source] Communication and decision-making about seeking inherited cancer risk information: findings from female survivor-relative focus groupsPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Suzanne Mellon Abstract Dramatic advances in cancer genetics and identification of germline mutations in cancer genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have led to new options in genetic risk assessment for families with histories of breast and ovarian cancer. However, little research has been carried out with individuals and their families regarding how cancer risk information is communicated within families and factors that may affect individuals and family members making informed decisions about their health. This study explored participants' knowledge of cancer risk, their perceptions and concerns regarding inherited cancer risk information, family communication patterns, and factors that may affect their decision to learn about inherited cancer risk in their families. Nine focus groups of family dyads were conducted (N=39) consisting of breast or ovarian cancer patients and close female relatives. All transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative software. Key findings showed diversity in how families communicated and made decisions about their health, persistent worry for their families, lack of knowledge about inherited cancer, vigilance in watching their health, and barriers present in communicating about genetic risk. Results from this study support inclusion of family members in addressing inherited cancer risk information and contextual family factors critical to consider in potentially high risk families. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 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